Novatel Wireless Announces Wireless Compatibility with New Palm Handhelds

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - March 20, 2002 - Novatel Wireless, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVTL), a provider of wireless data access solutions, today announced compatibility of the Novatel Wireless Minstrel m500^TM Wireless Handheld Modem with the new Palm^TM m515 and m130 color handhelds from Palm, Inc. With the appropriate software and an ISP account, the Minstrel m500 delivers wireless access to email, the Internet, and corporate LANs to users anytime and anywhere in the country. The unit connects to the Palm handhelds via the Palm Universal Connector, coupling them together for a secure and integrated fit.

"Palm's goal is to provide the tools Palm handheld users need for access to their business and personal information on-the-go. Novatel Wireless has consistently delivered products that enable wireless connectivity with excellent quality and performance," said Paul Leeper, director, Market Development, Custom Solutions, at Palm, Inc. "We are extremely happy about the role Novatel Wireless has played in supporting the new Palm m515 and m130 color handhelds."

The Minstrel m500 features easy access to the Palm Expansion Card Slot. A unique power button enables immediate network access and allows the user to easily power on and off the modem with a simple push of the button. Certified with the "Designed for Palm Handhelds" logo, the Minstrel m500 supports popular enterprise productivity and synchronization programs written for the Palm OS® platform, and is compatible with Palm's Mobile Connectivity Software, including web clipping applications. Pass-through charging and a rechargeable lithium ion battery mean that both the Palm handheld and the Minstrel m500 can be charged simultaneously with only one charger. The Minstrel m500 supports both POP3 and IMAP 4 email and HTML web browsing software with an MSRP of $369.00.

"Our long-standing relationship with Palm has allowed us to provide users with a complete wireless solution that takes full advantage of the latest handheld computing devices," said John Major, CEO of Novatel Wireless. "We are pleased to be working with them on this latest project as we continue toward our goal of bringing wireless connectivity and flexibility to consumers."

Equipped with a TCP/IP stack for custom applications, the Minstrel m500 employs the Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) network. CDPD is a method of transmitting data over the cellular voice network at speeds up to 19.2 kbps and is deployed in most U.S. metropolitan areas and in some international markets. Most CDPD service providers offer a fixed monthly rate for unlimited data access with fees ranging from $25-65 per month. The Minstrel m500 is available for order today directly from Novatel Wireless, Ingram Micro, Tech Data, or Global Wireless Data. Visit www.novatelwireless.com for more information.

ABOUT NOVATEL WIRELESS, INC.

Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leading provider of wireless data modems and software for use with handheld computing devices and portable personal computers. The company delivers innovative and comprehensive solutions that enable businesses and consumers to access personal, corporate and public information through email, enterprise networks and the Internet. Novatel Wireless also offers wireless data modems and custom engineering services for hardware integration projects in a wide range of vertical applications. The Novatel Wireless product portfolio includes the Minstrel® Family of Wireless Handheld Modems, Merlin^TM Family of Wireless PC Card Modems, Sage® Wireless Serial Modems, Lancer 3W^TM Family of Ruggedized Modems and Expedite^TM Family of Wireless Embedded Modems. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq: NVTL). For more information, please visit the Novatel Wireless web site: www.novatelwireless.com or call 888-888-9231.

The Novatel Wireless logo, Minstrel, Minstrel m500, Merlin, Sage, Lancer 3W and Expedite are trademarks of Novatel Wireless, Inc. Minstrel and Sage are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Palm is a trademark of Palm, Inc. All other brands, products and company names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective holders.

In Regards to Novatel Wireless: This release may contain forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors include risks relating to international sales and potential foreign currency exchange fluctuations, technological changes, increased levels of competition, continued acceptance of Novatel Wireless' products and dependence on intellectual property rights. These factors, as well as other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, are discussed in more detail in Novatel Wireless' filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory agencies.